KANSAS CITY SUFFERS COVID DELTA SPIKE: DR. REX TOLD YOU SO!!!

The next chapter of the pandemic seems more ominous and confusing as the plague not only sickens and scares a growing number of people but also serves as a wedge dividing partisan factions as well as weakening the resolve, unity and cohesion of Americans overall. 

In Kansas City the resurgence of COVID-19 coincides with more violence, a housing crisis and undeniable frustration with elected and un-elected leaders. 

Accordingly, we share this bit of gloating from a Kansas City medical pro who has also sparked controversy with politically charged statements. 

Here's the word . . . 

Dr. Rex Archer made the comments during a radio show in July, before he retired from his position at the health department. At that time, he said there would be a "huge blow up" in September in Kansas City. He was reminded about the comments during a COVID-19 update with the University of Kansas Health System.

"The reason that I was concerned, and continue to be concerned, is this delta variant is so much more contagious, and folks that even have very mild symptoms are shedding fairly high levels of virus so that's a concern," Archer said.

He also explained that while steps, such as mask mandates, are being taken to slow the spreading virus, he hopes they were implemented soon enough to make an impact.

And so, given this sage wisdom www.TonysKansasCity.com shares resources and news links and then ask for your comment/hot take . . .

 

'Huge blow up in September': Kansas City expert warned of the COVID-19 spike that's here

by: Heidi Schmidt Posted: / Updated: KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A day after Missouri issued a COVID Hotspot Advisory for Jackson and Clay counties, the former director of the Kansas City Health Department was reminded that he warned that a COVID-19 spike was coming.

Another top doc shares local advice . . .

Dr. Anthony Fauci talks about COVID-19 surge in Kansas, Missouri

KMBC 9'S MICHEAL MAHONEY TALKED TO FAUCI THIS AFTERNOON. MICHEAL: THE NUMBER OF CIDOV CASES IN MISOURI HAS DECLINED FOR THREE STRAIGHT DAYS. THE RISE IN KANSAS SEE TBEMS SLOWING, T.OO IN YOUR MIND, COULD THIS BE A PE?AK DR. FAUCI: SURE.

One more shot . . .

KC hospitals ready to administer booster shots for immunocompromised

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Doctors at the University of Kansas Health System are waiting anxiously for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommendation to administer booster shots to immunocompromised people. Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, said once authorized, the boosters will be for immunocompromised people such as those on cancer treatments, with HIV or solid organ transplant patients.

Possibility of third vaccine shot could be life-changing for some in Kansas City metro

by: Shannon O'Brien Posted: / Updated: KANSAS CITY, Kan. - A COVID-19 booster shot could be just days away from getting into the arms of people who are immunocompromised. Getting there is a two-step process. The FDA must approve the third MRNA COVID-19 vaccine shot for emergency use.

Infusion treatment hopes to prepare for new wave of delta variant in Missouri

by: Jacob Kittilstad Posted: / Updated: KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Here are three big words you could be hearing a lot in the near future: monoclonal antibody infusions. The treatments are a centerpiece of Missouri Governor Mike Parson's $30 million plan to prepare for a wave of new patients battling COVID-19's delta variant.

Vaxx to work . . .

State Street will require employee vaccinations in U.S. - Kansas City Business Journal

State Street Corp., one of the Kansas City area's biggest employers, will require all U.S. employees to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 when they return to its Boston headquarters and other locations next month, the company said Tuesday.

As KC businesses ask for proof of vaccination, Cerner makes it easier to take on the go

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Management at "The Ship" in the west bottoms say it was smooth sailing for their first week of requiring patrons to show proof they got a COVID-19 vaccine. "We had brand new customers that we've never seen before that came specifically because of that policy," Lotta Williams, general manager at The Ship told KSHB 41 News on Sunday.

Vaxx to play . . .

KC Venues Requiring Proof of Vaccination

Above image: RecordBar | Photo: Todd Zimmer As public health and safety concerns continue to rise, the live music industry is taking steps to protect its workers, artists and audiences. AEG Presents, the second largest live company in the country, has announced that ticketholders and crew will be required to show proof of vaccination at all of the venues it owns and operates around the United States.

Kansas City's Midland Theatre to require proof of vaccination

The surge in COVID-19 cases is forcing a Kansas City theater to require audience members, performers and staff to be vaccinated.AEG Presents, which owns Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, is requiring everyone at shows to be vaccinated starting Oct. 1.Exceptions will be made for those that can show a negative COVID-19 test 72-hours before a show.

Missouri State Fair underway despite coronavirus concerns

SEDALIA, MO (KCTV) -- The Missouri State Fair is back in full swing after being partially canceled in 2020 due to coronavirus concerns. Many of those concerns still linger in 2021 as new cases continue to spike in the state. That's why Dacia Lewis and her friend Gunnar Rovina were wearing masks as they meandered through the crowd.

Fans will need to show proof of full vaccination to attend some Kansas City concerts

by: Heidi Schmidt Posted: / Updated: LOS ANGELES - AEG Presents said it will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for anyone who attends or works one of its concerts, events, or festivals. The company announced the decision Thursday, as cases of the delta variant surge across the country.

Mask up for Planet Comicon: Face coverings required for popular event in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Bartle Hall will transform into Planet Comicon next week when the event returns to downtown. The COVID-19 pandemic forced organizers to cancel the event in 2020. A year later, organizers said there are plans in place to keep everyone in attendance as safe as possible.

Vaxx to the future . . .

Kansas City Public Schools First In Area To Require Vaccinations Of All Staff Or Weekly Testing

Kansas City Public Schools will require all teachers and staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing. The school district, the first in the metropolitan area to issue such a mandate, made the decision last week as cases of COVID-19 in the area surge, largely driven by the delta variant.

Attorneys say school districts can opt out of mask mandate - The Sentinel

Johnson County's Legal Director, an attorney in private practice, and arguably a State Attorney General opinion all say school districts have home rule authority to opt out or modify a mask order for school children in Johnson County.

COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations far higher than last year in Kansas City region as school begins

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - As a new school year begins, the COVID-19 pandemic's grip on the Kansas City region has worsened compared to this time last year, according to data from the Mid-America Regional Council's Kansas City COVID-19 Data Hub. The seven-day rolling average for new infections and hospitalizations through Aug.

KCK family prepares for another school year amid pandemic

A new school year begins Monday in the Kansas City, Kansas School District.For many students and parents -- it couldn't come soon enough.KCK parent Rachel Russell says sending her kids back for in-person learning is crucial for their growth."Because that's how she learns best," said Russell, who's also the President of the PTA at Sumner Academy of Arts and Science.

Platte County R-3 School District to set masking guidance

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Platte County R-3 School District Board of Education will determine on Thursday whether or not students will be required to wear masks indoors. Recommended guidelines state that masks will be required for students 5 years old and older, as well as staff and visitors, for buildings within the Kansas City, Missouri, city limits due to the city's mask order.

Doctors urge masks, vaccinations as more kids contract COVID-19

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- As some students head back to class, others are heading to the hospital. While deaths remain rare for children, they're staying sicker longer. Missouri data shows there are 3,000 COVID cases right now in kids younger than 10. Just across the state, a pediatric hospital in St.

Vaccinated pregnant woman delivers healthy baby, urges others to get vaccinated

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Centers for Disease Control updated its guidance regarding pregnant and breastfeeding women Wednesday. The agency now recommends they get a COVID-19 vaccine. The recommendation said data suggests the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any known or potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy.

Local OB-GYN, pregnant women react to CDC urging expectant mothers to get vaccinated

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- As of today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging all pregnant women to get the COVID-19 vaccine as many hospitals in hot spots around the U.S. see disturbing numbers of unvaccinated mothers-to-be hospitalized with the virus. Kansas City is one of the areas seeing the trend.

Masks at school: Here's what Kansas City area districts have decided

by: Makenzie Koch Posted: / Updated: KANSAS CITY, Mo. - As the end of summer approaches and the rate of new COVID cases has recently increased once again, Kansas City area school districts are once again grappling with how to proceed.

Kansas City & the nation confront more round of testing, vaxxing, masking and fighting . . .

KC metro seeing high demand for COVID tests

JACKSON COUNTY, MO (KCTV) -- The demand for COVID testing has truly spiked, and that includes facilities that can offer rapid results. Chase Laboratory Services in Kansas City is a full-service lab, specializing in blood work and drug screenings. But lately, their high-volume request is rapid COVID tests.

Kansas City health care workers promote vaccines by going door to door

Health workers with the Samuel Rodgers Health Center went door to door on Thursday in the Victoria Arms apartment complex on Woodland Avenue to teach residents about COVID-19 vaccines and promote a Friday vaccine clinic at the apartment.They spent the morning hearing from vaccine-hesitant people, along with those who have

Parson to Missourians: Take 'personal responsibility' and get vaccinated

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.- Missouri Gov. Mike Parson says more than 200,000 people have received their COVID-19 vaccines since the state announced its Vaccine Incentive Program. He says that is good news but is encouraging more Missourians to roll up their sleeves.

Driving the push for vaccinations: State takes testing, vaccines to the Kansas Turnpike

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A new effort to vaccinate people across Kansas hit the ground Thursday. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has mobile clinics posted at service areas along the Kansas Turnpike. Drivers who stop can get tested for COVID-19. Vaccinations are also be offered to people who are eligible.

Missouri's Delta Variant Surge Could Be Peaking, But Hospitalizations Are Still Going Up Fast

Missouri is seeing the first signs that the Delta variant surge may have crested, though many areas are still suffer from rising COVID-19 case numbers while hospitalizations hit new highs for the summer. On Wednesday, the seven-day average of COVID-19 cases reported by the Department of Health and Senior Services declined week-over-week for the first time since early June.

'We're tired:' Doctors from KU Health discuss strain of pandemic uncertainty

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Doctors used Wednesday morning's University of Kansas Health System daily coronavirus call to make an admission: staff are tired. Doctors agreed that the constant uncertainty of not knowing what the next day of the pandemic will hold is draining.

Father of one-year-old baby hospitalized with COVID-19 at Cox shares message

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - The father of a one-year-old infant hospitalized in Springfield with COVID-19 has a heartbreaking message after watching his son struggle. Carter Butrum was born three months premature last year, and his family spent quite a bit of time at hospitals caring for their baby.

Delta variant peak could occur in early September according to city health director

By: Tyler Schneider An Aug. 9th Zoom session hosted by the South Kansas City Alliance featured Interim Director of the KCMO Health Department , Frank Thompson , who gave updates on what the latest data can tell us about the latest COVID-19 trends in Kansas City and the Southland in particular.

Children's Mercy no longer accepting walk-in COVID-19 testing at its urgent care locations

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Children's Mercy is no longer accepting walk-ins for COVID-19 testing at its urgent care locations. The hospital launched online scheduling on Wednesday for families to secure COVID-19 testing. "To better serve our patients and eliminate waiting, we are launching online scheduling through Save My Spot for COVID-19 Testing," the hospital posted on Facebook.

Missie B's to host COVID-19 vaccination clinic

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas City, Missouri, bar will hold a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday during Crosswalk Community Awareness Weekend. Missie B's, 805 West 39th Street, announced on Thursday that it will offer the clinic from 1 to 4 p.m. with the Kansas City Care Clinic.

Prairie Village to consider mask mandate on Monday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - After a Prairie Village councilwoman called for the city to draft a mask ordinance last week, the council is set to discuss the measure on Monday, Aug. 16. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the Prairie Village council chambers, located at 7700 Mission Road.

Those who show up at COVID debates wearing yellow stars forfeit the right to be heard

At this week's Springfield City Council meeting, about 15 of those in the crowd who had come to oppose the oppression of a non-binding resolution encouraging vaccinations showed up wearing big yellow Stars of David pinned to their shirts and dresses. Not just anti-science, but antisemitic, too, those stars told us.

Update: Kansas City COVID-19 patient struggles in continued battle with virus

JACKSON COUNTY, MO (KCTV) -- Positivity rates and deaths in the metro continue to climb as the Delta variant sweeps through the city. Michael Heene is no longer positive for COVID, but he's recovering from the toll the virus took on his body.

How anti-vaxxers are living and loving in a Covid world

During the pandemic an international movement opposed to Covid-19 vaccines and restrictions has grown on social media, often muddled with conspiracy theories and dangerous falsehoods. Now some committed activists are pursuing a new direction - organising online dating, house shares and possibly even blood banks just for the unvaccinated.

'I Am Legend' screenwriter reacts to vaccine conspiracy theories, pointing out the plot is fiction

Akiva Goldsman, who co-wrote the screenplay for the 2007 film starring Will Smith, clarified that "I Am Legend" is pure fantasy after an unnamed source in a recent New York Times report said they feared vaccination because of the events of the film.

Not quite the last word . . .

The coronavirus is far from over

by Tatum Goetting The COVID crisis is not over, and Missourians should not act as if it is. We're tired of masks and social distancing and everything seems somewhat close to normal now. At the gas station, movie theater and places of worship, masks are gone.

You decide . . .